FORT PAYNE, Ala. — A pursuit that began in Fort Payne Wednesday night ended in a suicide this morning on Bethel Road near Hammondville, the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office said in a press release today.
The chase stemmed from a domestic incident in Fort Payne Wednesday evening. The suspect fled the scene before officers arrived. A Be-On-The-Lookout (BOLO) was issued for the suspect.
At approximately 8 a.m. this morning, the suspect was spotted by law enforcement on Hiawatha Drive in Fort Payne. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the suspect led officers and deputies on a chase to Hammondville.
The vehicle eventually stopped on Bethel Road. After a brief standoff with deputies and officers, the suspect committed suicide.
"Due to this case being a suicide and out of respect for the family, we will not be releasing the identity of the individual," said the press release.
The sheriff's office also did not mention the gender of the individual or how he or she committed suicide. Nor was there a mention of which law enforcement agencies were involved in the police chase, though the release came from Sheriff Nick Welden's office and in the quote he issued (below) he commends his deputies.
“We are deeply saddened by this incident. We ask the community to wrap this family with your support and prayers in this difficult time,” said the sheriff. “I want to commend our deputies who were involved in this incident for performing their job with professionalism and compassion. Part of the weight of the badge is witnessing and dealing with unspeakable tragedy."
